Tuesday, January 17, 2012

BIG Day @ Crytal

Dan and I feel we hit it good. Alpental was inaccessible due to an I-90 closure, so no one could get there for at least 4 hours. We headed to Crystal and had a very good day. It snowed all day, at least 6" during the day, and it was in the low 20's. It blowed enough that it was filling in the tracks and then it REALLY blew and our last ride up in the Gondola was sporty. Great runs all over the south side. Right Angle was our favorite, leading down through Kelly's to the base. One down Paradise Bowl when Gate 8 opened and we were there. First ride on the Shiro's and they were Cadillac's! I'm better o these babies, at least on a day like this.

Monday, January 16, 2012

JANUARY 16: THE START OF THE DUMP.

Major League - Powder Alert

Issued at 4:46 -- Monday

by the authority vested in me by the UN International Deep Powder Commission

For Tuesday and Wednesday/Thursday

We've had some fantastic new snow last weekend, but now it's time to turn up the volume.

The snow bases are set up for ultimate powder (say what, better then epic?) Snow levels will stay low as we remain immersed in this cold air mass.

Seattle and Puget Sound lowlands will also see major snow, perhaps the biggest in 15-25 years (1996 or 1985). Tuesday night to Wednesday night 8-16" possible(Seattle) - maybe more - in the lowlands! This is a classic "overriding" situation; freezing air clings to the ground as mild and moist air floats above the dome of surface air. Until the mild air mixes down, it will be guaranteed heavy snow from sea level to the Cascades all of Tuesday and a least the first half of Wednesday for the lowlands, but continuing as snow - no rain - in the mountains. Lowlands could see rain on snow by very late Wed to Thursday - can you say big slushy mess for the commute by Thursday am? Again, the Cascades will remain with heavy snow.

There are actually two storms, with number two , the classic and biggest.

The Cascades will get 2-3 ft in the next two - three days.

Tuesday: expect 6-10" new when you get there and 4-8" while you ski, filling in your tracks. SL = sea level

Tuesday is my pick. Even though Wed will have more snow - only because it might get pretty intense on Wednesday getting there and avy control.

The main event hits Tuesday night through Thursday morning

New Wed am, when you get there: 10-15" new -- snowing all day with another 6-10" during the day - find your goggles!

SL: sea level rising to only 2000 ft late Wednesday

More new snow by Thursday morning - 6-12" SL -- 2500-3000ft

The upcoming weekend: Both Saturday and Sunday will see epic new snow dumpage with low snow levels, lowering to 1000ft, the epic continues -plan on it

Welcome back La Nina- forget everything I said, just kidding.

.....as always, I am always worried sick about you kids as i sit on my throne in the Poobah Palace

sincerely,
el grande poobaja del powderero

My first day on my new Shiro's. Report to come. Ogborn and I to conquer!

Here it comes. First BIG storm of 2011/ 12

Good Sunday @ Alpental with Dan Ogborn. it snowed all day, covering the ice that was underneath. 70" base, good skiing.
But now the real deal. Here is what Larry Shick tells us is coming. I'll be on my new Shiro's tomorrow with Dan Ogborn. Ken Dayton has hurt his back and can't even stand up right. Fiorini's in Hood River with Risa.


MAJOR LEAGUE POWDER ALERT.Issued at 4:46 -- Monday, JANUARY 16, 2012.

by the authority vested in me by the UN International Deep Powder Commission

For Tuesday and Wednesday/Thursday

We've had some fantastic new snow last weekend, but now it's time to turn up the volume.
The snow bases are set up for ultimate powder (say what, better then epic?) Snow levels will stay low as we remain immersed in this cold air mass.

Seattle and Puget Sound lowlands will also see major snow, perhaps the biggest in 15-25 years (1996 or 1985). Tuesday night to Wednesday night 8-16" possible(Seattle) - maybe more - in the lowlands! This is a classic "overriding" situation; freezing air clings to the ground as mild and moist air floats above the dome of surface air. Until the mild air mixes down, it will be guaranteed heavy snow from sea level to the Cascades all of Tuesday and a least the first half of Wednesday for the lowlands, but continuing as snow - no rain - in the mountains. Lowlands could see rain on snow by very late Wed to Thursday - can you say big slushy mess for the commute by Thursday am? Again, the Cascades will remain with heavy snow.

There are actually two storms, with number two , the classic and biggest.

The Cascades will get 2-3 ft in the next two - three days.

Tuesday: expect 6-10" new when you get there and 4-8" while you ski, filling in your tracks. SL = sea level

Tuesday is my pick. Even though Wed will have more snow - only because it might get pretty intense on Wednesday getting there and avy control.
The main event hits Tuesday night through Thursday morning
New Wed am, when you get there: 10-15" new -- snowing all day with another 6-10" during the day - find your goggles!
SL: sea level rising to only 2000 ft late Wednesday
More new snow by Thursday morning - 6-12" SL -- 2500-3000ft
The upcoming weekend: Both Saturday and Sunday will see epic new snow dumpage with low snow levels, lowering to 1000ft, the epic continues -plan on it

Welcome back La Nina- forget everything I said, just kidding.

.....as always, I am always worried sick about you kids as i sit on my throne in the Poobah Palace

sincerely,
el grande poobaja del powderero



Thursday, November 24, 2011

Photo of Thanksgiving Day, 2011

http://www.crystalmountainresort.com/gallery_cache/613/400_400/PowderBowlThanksgiving.jpg

2011/12 Season Begins Big

The 2011/12 opener at Crystal was November 18. Early storms began the previous week and a La Nina storm came in to allow an opening. It snowed for days to follow. Here are some reports from the website. I have yet to go.
91"INCHES so far this year.
The entire mountain is now open including Northway.
......We're going to be open tomorrow with 3+ FEET of new snow (notice we're not calling it powder) on mid & upper mountain! We're planning to run Chinook, Forest Queen, Discovery, Rainier Express, Green Valley & the Gondola (conditions & weather permitting). Tickets will be reduced to $50 on Wednesday. Ski/ride with a partner, it's DEEP & thick out there.

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

May 4, It's still snowing up @ Crystal

Here is their report from the website.
I have not been for 2 weeks. I will try and go on Friday though. Awesome year, with a big , big slide below Niagras and in Bear Pits. I'll try and post more about it. Look at the total snow so far this year!

March & April brought over 16 feet of snow and we're still going strong! We are closed Mon-Wed, but we'll have 6 lifts open this Thurs-Sun! Join us for Cinco de Mayo. The Mt. Rainier Gondola will be open daily for sightseeing and dining at the Summit House beginning June 17. We plan to keep skiing on weekends into July! Purchase your 11/12 winter season pass and use it now for spring & summer skiing, sale ends May 31. All operations are weather and conditions permitting. 5/3/11 9:32 a.m.

LOCATION TEMP SNOWFALL WIND
Overnight 24 Hr 48 Hr 72 Hr Total Depth Season Total
Summit 37° F 2 in 4 in 4 in 4 in 157 in 575 in 16 mph
Base 36° F 2 in 2 in 2 in 2 in 106 in